PTSD Disabled Marine Veteran Seeks Debt Relief And Education Help

by Jason William Miller
(Vista, California, USA)

I joined the USMC February 18, 2003. I was in a homeless shelter in Brooklyn, NY December 2002. There was no war yet but there sure was lots of politics on the TV news following the 911 incidents.

I never thought I would ever be in a war. So I went into the recruiting office January 7, 2003. I was 24 with an associate's degree from Lehman College in the Bronx. Now Brooklyn is a pretty rough neighborhood, but it had nothing on boot camp (Paris Island, South Carolina.

My whole life changed once I stepped on those yellow footprints and read the top of the gate. It said the world's greatest fighting organization, not to mention those not so very nice drill instructors.

For a split second there I got so scared I think I saw my life flash before my eyes. They were the meanest, angriest men and women I had ever seen.

Anyway halfway through boot camp, OIF (operation Iraqi Freedom) started. As I looked at the other recruit's face, we all were scared but not even surprised. Well maybe some of us were.

I didn't think I could, but I graduated basic. I was a field wireman 0612. Because there was a war, training was rough. Then followed 29 Palms, California, communications training, then the fleet.

It was an honor for me to serve with one of the top most decorated Marine units: 2nd battalion/5th Marines. I have three words: First Sergeant's Hill. That is where the Marines got me in the best shape of my life in a very short period of time.

I got to the fleet September 2003. Beautiful Camp San Mateo, Camp Pendleton, California. By August 2004, I was going to war in Aramadi, Iraq. I have a few broken bones and fractures, which I received from training and in combat.


I just thank God I didn't die. Believe me I came close on more than one occasion. I do seek medical care at the VA hospital in La Jolla, San Diego. I stay in California now.

It's always been my dream as a kid to live here. What a coincidence my fleet training was here. It looks better than it did on TV.

The nightmares of being shot at and having to shoot back at other humans haunt me daily and nightly. I take medication for my PTSD. I have even been hospitalized in the psych ward four times since I've been out.

I was discharged honorably February 18, 2007. Trying to cope and adapt back to regular normal every day life has been very hard for me to say the least, but I am maintaining. Thank God for that.

The memories of my dead comrades from my shop and my unit as a whole are sad. Sometimes I find myself isolated in my apartment crying.

I would appreciate some help financially please if you can. I am currently enrolled in college classes at Palomar College to finish up my bachelor's degree. I owe a $5,000 outstanding car payment for a vehicle that was lost in a car accident.

I am also having problems with my rent, but I am trying my best to manage. I would really like some assistance if you can, please and thank you.

I live alone and have no other help. This would really take away some of the stress, I know. I have medical records and statement from doctors to prove my story.

Thank you for taking time to reading my OIF story. Thank you and God bless you all.

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